Proving the Derivative of a Fourier Series Using Induction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the derivative of a Fourier series, specifically the function defined as a finite sum of sine terms. Participants are tasked with showing the derivative of this series under certain conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about differentiating a series, noting that they have not been taught this method. They seek guidance on how to approach the problem.
  • Some participants suggest that the differentiation of a finite sum follows standard rules, encouraging the original poster not to panic and to find the appropriate trigonometric identities.
  • There is a discussion about identifying the functions involved in the differentiation process, with one participant questioning the roles of f and g in the context of the derivative.
  • Another participant outlines a potential approach using mathematical induction, providing examples of the series and the differentiation process for specific cases.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants offering various insights and suggestions. Some guidance has been provided regarding the differentiation of finite sums and the use of trigonometric identities, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of differentiating a series that has not been covered in their coursework, leading to questions about the assumptions and definitions involved in the problem.

caesius
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We were given in a previous question,

<br /> s_{N}(x) = \frac{4}{\pi}\sum_{n=0}^{N-1}\frac{sin(2n+1)x}{2n+1}<br />

Homework Statement




Show that
<br /> s&#039;_{N}(x) = \frac{2sin(2Nx)}{\pi sinx}, x \neq l\pi<br />

and

<br /> s&#039;_{N}(x) = \frac{4N}{\pi}(-1)^l, x = l\pi<br />

where l is any integer.

The Attempt at a Solution



Utterly stumped on this one, I'm aware it's not *NORMAL* differentiation, how exactly do you go about differentiating a series? We've never been taught that and I'm an attentive math student.

So I can't even start (and this is the last question), this is frustrating me...

Cheers
 
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don't panic. all you have is a finite sum.
the formula (f+g)&#039; = f&#039; + g&#039; does work for finite sums!
the only problem left is finding the right trigonometric identity to use!
 
dalle said:
don't panic. all you have is a finite sum.
the formula (f+g)&#039; = f&#039; + g&#039; does work for finite sums!
the only problem left is finding the right trigonometric identity to use!

But the function is w.r.t x, so my first thought was just to drop the x off. But that's wrong...

I don't get it, what's f and what's g?

Thanks for somewhere to start though
 
dear ceasius, you are given a sequence of functions
s_1 = \frac{4}{\pi} \sin x , s_2 =\frac{4}{\pi} (\sin x + \frac{\sin (3 x}{3})), s_3 = \frac{4}{\pi} ( \sin x + \frac{\sin (3x)}{3} + \frac{\sin(5x)}{5}),..
your task is to prove that
\frac{d s_n(x)}{dx} =\frac{sin(2nx)}{\pi \sin x} ,x \ne \pi l
for every n. the way to do this is by using induction on n.
the case n=1 is simple
\frac{4}{\pi} \frac{d \sin x}{dx}=\frac{4}{\pi} \cos x
there is a trigonomtric formula that says
\sin(a) \cos(b) = \frac{1}{2}(\sin(a-b) + \sin (a+b))
apply this formula on \sin x \cos x, check for which x \sin x = 0 and you will get the right result. It's a good practice to try n=2
\frac{d s_2(x)}{dx}=\frac{4}{\pi}\frac{d(\sin(x)+\frac{\sin(3x)}{3})}{dx}=\frac{4}{\pi}(\frac{d\(sin(x)}{dx}+\frac{d\sin(3x)}{3 dx})=\frac{2 \sin(2x)}{\pi \sin x}+ \frac{4}{\pi} \cos(3x)
now apply the trigonometric formula on \sin x \cos(3x) and you will get the right result.
I hope it's clear what's left to do:smile:
 

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